Actors Shabana Azmi and Prakash Raj joined protesters from the Collective for Just and Peaceful (CJP) at Jantar Mantar on Sunday [1].
The appearance of high-profile cultural figures brings significant visibility to the CJP's demands for government dialogue. By aligning with the movement, the actors leverage their public platforms to amplify the grievances of the protesters ahead of a scheduled demonstration.
During the visit, Azmi kissed the hand of a woman who is currently on a hunger strike [1, 2]. This gesture served as a public display of solidarity with the activist's cause. The interaction took place at the Jantar Mantar site in New Delhi, a traditional hub for political demonstrations in India [1, 2].
The visit occurred on July 20 [1], the day before the group's planned march. While some reports refer to the event as the Sansad March [1], others describe it as the Chalo Parliament or Chalo Sansad march [2]. The purpose of the mobilization is to push for a formal dialogue between the government and the organizers.
There are conflicting reports regarding the specific nature of the protest. Some sources indicate the agitation is a general demand for dialogue with the prime minister [1]. Other reports suggest the actors were extending support specifically to NEET protesters [2]. Additionally, while most sources identify the organizing body as the Collective for Just and Peaceful, some reports refer to the group as the Cockroach Janata Party [2].
Both Azmi and Raj stood with the protesters to signal their support for the movement's objectives. The presence of the actors is intended to bolster the morale of the hunger strikers before they attempt to march toward the seat of government [1, 2].
“Shabana Azmi kissed the hand of a woman who is currently on a hunger strike.”
The involvement of veteran actors in the CJP protest reflects a long-standing tradition of Indian cinema figures engaging in political activism. By associating with a hunger strike—a potent symbol of non-violent resistance in India—Azmi and Raj are attempting to shift the narrative from a niche grievance to a broader human rights issue, potentially pressuring the government to engage in dialogue to avoid further escalation during the planned march.
